Responsibilities

• The production of a monthly OU Research newsletter on LinkedIn.
• Production of up to four new research grants stories for OU channels and working on making more of them in discussion with the Senior Manager, Research Communications.
• Leading on an OU research video or podcast series.
• Working with the Senior Manager, Research Communications, faculties and the OU YouTube team to produce a regular stream of videos about OU research.
• You will create content that can be adapted for use by teams working in media relations, external comms and government and external affairs as well as nations and faculty.
• You will draft copy and keep the OU Research website up to date with research news.
• Your role will work across multiple channels including event support for key research moments such as the Research Excellence Awards/key OU research showcases.
• Your ultimate aim is to further the understanding of the impact of the OU’s research both internally and externally.
• You will work with the Research Communications Manager to ensure the development of the Open Societal Challenges programme and support the Research and Innovation Services (RIS) in its continued development.

Requirements

• Experience of external communications. Generating stories, creating content and campaigns that work across multiple channels.
• Experience of contributing to the delivery of integrated campaigns across paid, earned, shared, and owned communications channels.
• Can demonstrate a track record of actioning different and varied communications quickly across a range of channels.
• Evidence of strong spoken and written interpersonal and communications skills and the ability to work quickly and accurately to tight deadlines producing material which requires minimal input from senior colleagues.
• Can navigate a complex organisation, prioritise and deliver with multiple stakeholders that have different objectives.
• An understanding of the role research can play in promoting the OU to key audiences.
• Experience of supporting academics in helping them explain complex research projects to a wide audience.
• Evidence of an ability to utilise research outputs and creatively communicate it both internally and externally.
• Experience of regular reporting to demonstrate the effectiveness of research communications towards the greater reach plan.